Zinnia Zinnia 'Bedder Lilac Rose' (Bedder Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia 'Bedder Lilac Rose' from the Bedder Series is a striking flowering plant known for its eye-catching blooms. The flowers of this zinnia are characterized by their lovely lilac-rose color, which brings a soft yet vibrant hue to gardens and landscapes. Each flower possesses a classic zinnia shape, with a dome-like center surrounded by multiple layers of overlapping petals that create a full, lush appearance. The petals are typically broad and slightly pointed, contributing to the flower's overall round and pom-pom like silhouette. The blooms are borne on sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, showcasing the flowers prominently. The leaves of the Bedder Lilac Rose are medium green, with a shape that is somewhat lance-like, providing a pleasing contrast against the delicate coloring of the petals. As the plant continues to mature through its blooming season, it develops a bushy habit with an abundance of flowers, making it a prolific addition to any garden space designed for visual impact. The combination of its romantic petal hue and generous flowering makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Zinnia, Lilac Rose Zinnia, Common Zinnia, Youth-and-Age, Elegant Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia elegans 'Bedder Lilac Rose'
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of them causing serious illness or poisoning when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities, so it's always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant parts when uncertain about their safety.
To pets
Zinnias are also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. They are not known to cause serious harm if pets nibble on the foliage or flowers. While the consumption of any non-food plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, zinnias are not associated with severe poisoning or toxic effects in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac Rose
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow - Zinnias are known for being easy to cultivate, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those who want low-maintenance landscapes.
- Vibrant Flowers - The Zinnia Bedder Lilac Rose variety offers eye-catching lilac rose-hued blooms that add a vivid pop of color to any garden.
- Attracts Pollinators - Zinnias are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, which can help pollinate your garden and increase biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period - Zinnias have a long flowering season, often from summer until the first frost, providing consistent color and visual interest.
- Border Planting - Due to their size and the dense growth habit, they are well-suited for use as border plants or in flower beds.
- Cut Flowers - Zinnias make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life, brightening up indoor spaces with their vibrant colors.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, Zinnias are relatively drought tolerant, making them a suitable choice for gardens in drier climates.
- Container Gardening - Zinnias can thrive in pots and containers, making them versatile for those with limited garden space or who prefer container gardening.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Material: The vibrant petals of Zinnia can be pressed and used in artwork or to create handmade paper, adding a splash of color and texture to the creations.
- Photography Prop: The striking colors of Zinnia make it a great subject or backdrop for photographers looking to add a natural burst of color to their compositions.
- Educational Tool: Zinnia can be used in schools or educational gardens to teach students about plant biology, life cycles, and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible varieties of Zinnia can be used to decorate cakes, salads, and other dishes, adding an elegant and colorful touch to the presentation.
- Dye Production: Zinnia petals can also be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, wool, or paper, producing a range of colors from yellow to pink and purple depending on the process.
- Companion Planting: Zinnia can be planted alongside vegetables to attract beneficial insects that will help with pollination and pest control.
- Memento Creation: Dried Zinnia flowers can be included in scrapbooks or memory boxes as they hold their color well, making a beautiful keepsake that lasts for years.
- Event Decor: Zinnias can be used in various events such as weddings or parties for table arrangements, bouquets, or venue decorations due to their range of colors and large blooms.
- Ice Cubes: Freeze petals of Zinnia in ice cubes to create visually striking additions for summertime drinks or punch bowls.
- Seed Harvesting: The seeds of Zinnia are easy to collect and can be used to teach children or gardening enthusiasts about seed harvesting and propagation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not commonly referred to in traditional Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnias are often associated with remembrance, making them a thoughtful plant to give in memory of a missing friend or loved one.
- Endurance: The zinnia is a hardy plant that can withstand full sun and heat, symbolizing endurance and strength to overcome challenges.
- Friendship: With its long-lasting blooms, the zinnia represents enduring friendship and loyalty that lasts through the seasons.
- Affection: The vibrant and diverse colors of zinnias can also symbolize a multilayered affection that can be understood in different ways, depending on the context.
- Daily remembrance: Due to their daily blooming cycle, zinnias can symbolize the idea of keeping someone constantly in your thoughts.
- Absent friends: In Victorian flower language, zinnias were given to friends who were absent as a token of lasting affection and the hope for their swift return.
WaterZinnias require regular watering, and the Bedder Lilac Rose should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. It is particularly important not to let the soil dry out completely, as zinnias thrive in moist but well-drained soil. During hot and dry spells, you might need to water the plants more frequently, every two to three days, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Always water at the base of the plant to help prevent foliar diseases, and try to avoid overhead watering that can lead to mildew. In terms of volume, for a garden bed of zinnias, you might use around 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per square foot every week, adjusting for rainfall and heat conditions.
LightZinnias, including the Bedder Lilac Rose, flourish in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting them in a location that maximizes their exposure to sunlight throughout the day will result in the healthiest growth and most abundant blooms. These plants do not perform well in shade, as insufficient light can result in weak stems and poor flowering.
TemperatureThe Bedder Lilac Rose zinnia prefers warm conditions and is best planted when the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Zinnias can tolerate a temperature range from about 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold can damage or kill the plants. The ideal temperature for their growth and flowering is a daytime range between 74 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning your Bedder Lilac Rose zinnia encourages stronger stems and more prolific blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. You can also pinch back young plants once they are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. The best time for any major pruning is in the early morning when the plant is well-hydrated and the temperature is cooler.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias thrive in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A blend of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage constitutes the best soil mix for Zinnia 'Bedder Lilac Rose'. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will support robust growth and blooming.
RepottingZinnias, such as the 'Bedder Lilac Rose', are annual plants and do not typically require repotting as they complete their life cycle in one season. They are often sown directly into the garden or container where they will flower and do not need to be moved.
Humidity & MistingZinnias such as the 'Bedder Lilac Rose' are tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do not require any particular humidity conditions. They perform well in outdoor environments where the humidity fluctuates naturally.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and space for air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, rich soil; water regularly and deadhead.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleZinnia 'Bedder Lilac Rose' begins its life as a seed which, when planted in fertile, well-drained soil and given enough sunlight and water, will germinate within 5 to 7 days. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the cotyledons and then true leaves, during which the plant requires consistent moisture and can benefit from light fertilization. As it enters the vegetative stage, the zinnia develops a robust stem and a lush foliage, while continuing to grow taller and bushier. Flower buds form during this period, which eventually blossom into the plant's distinctive lilac rose flowers; this flowering stage can last several weeks to months, during which deadheading can promote further blooming. After pollination, flowers will fade, and the plant will produce seeds in a drying head, representing the reproductive stage. Finally, as winter approaches or as the growing season ends, the zinnia completes its annual life cycle and dies, leaving seeds behind to continue the species' legacy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Zinnia 'Bedder Lilac Rose', commonly known as zinnia, is most frequently propagated by seed. The ideal time to sow zinnia seeds is in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 70°F (about 21°C), which creates a congenial environment for germination. To propagate zinnias from seed, simply scatter the seeds lightly onto well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch (approximately 6 millimeters) deep. Keep the soil moist but not saturated, and within 5-24 days, the seeds should germinate. Once the seedlings develop a couple of sets of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, they can be thinned out or transplanted to give them adequate space to grow. Direct sowing into the garden or starting seeds indoors in trays or pots are both effective methods for seed propagation of zinnias.
